The Morrow County community is reeling from the devastating loss of Deputy Daniel Sherrer, a 31-year-old sheriff’s deputy who was fatally shot in the line of duty on Memorial Day while responding to a domestic violence call in Marengo, a rural town about 35 miles north of Columbus. The incident, which unfolded shortly after 7:40 p.m. on May 26, 2025, has left the tight-knit community mourning the loss of a beloved officer described as a beacon of positivity and dedication. Sheriff John L. Hinton, visibly emotional during a press conference the following morning, painted a vivid picture of Sherrer’s character, calling him a “godsend” to the department and the county. “He was a grown man, but I still think of him as a kid. Always had a smile, never in a bad mood. He loved this job, and he loved this community,” Hinton said, his voice breaking as he spoke of the deputy’s infectious optimism and commitment.
Sherrer, who joined the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office in May 2021, was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of County Road 26 following reports of gunshots tied to a domestic disturbance. Court records and an affidavit filed in Morrow County Municipal Court provide a chilling account of the events that led to the tragedy. Upon arriving at the scene, Sherrer spoke with a neighbor who relayed disturbing statements made by the suspect, later identified as 53-year-old Brian Michael Wilson of Marengo. The neighbor reported that Wilson had fired a gun at a truck and expressed a troubling sense of resignation, saying he would be “OK if he died tonight.” As Sherrer approached the residence, he observed Wilson sitting on the porch, a firearm clearly visible in his hand. Wilson immediately warned the deputy not to come closer, stating, “Don’t come up here,” and escalating his threats as Sherrer attempted to defuse the situation.
Despite the deputy’s efforts to engage Wilson calmly, the situation deteriorated rapidly. The affidavit details Wilson’s increasingly hostile warnings, captured on Sherrer’s body-worn camera, including explicit threats to kill the deputy if he did not leave. “I’m not playing, you better just go if you want your family to see you tomorrow,” Wilson reportedly said. Moments later, as Wilson advanced toward Sherrer, gunfire erupted. Sherrer was struck multiple times and collapsed, while additional shots were fired, possibly at the wounded deputy. The body camera footage recorded the sound of a revolver’s empty chamber clicking, indicating Wilson may have attempted to continue firing. Two firearms—a Walther PK .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol and an M&P revolver bodyguard .38 caliber—were recovered at the scene, both believed to have been used by Wilson.
Wilson was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire and was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he remains in serious condition under sheriff’s custody. He faces charges of aggravated murder, with court proceedings pending as he recovers. Sheriff Hinton, refusing to speak Wilson’s name during the press conference, expressed disdain for the suspect, stating, “You will never hear his name come from my lips. Why would I? He doesn’t deserve it.” Court records reveal Wilson’s history of violence, including a 2009 guilty plea to aggravated menacing in a domestic violence incident, where he was ordered to surrender firearms for two years. This prior conviction underscores the volatility of the situation Sherrer faced.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, is leading the probe into the shooting. Sheriff Hinton noted that he had not yet reviewed the body camera footage, emphasizing the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, which employs 22 deputies and over 70 staff, is grappling with the loss of only the second officer killed in the line of duty in the county’s history, the first being Patrolman Clarence Upson in 1940.
The tragedy has resonated deeply in Morrow County, a community of approximately 35,000 residents known for its close-knit ties and support for law enforcement. A patrol cruiser outside the sheriff’s office, adorned with a black mourning band over its badge, has become a focal point for tributes, with flowers, notes, and other tokens of remembrance left by residents. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered U.S. and state flags to fly at half-staff in Morrow County and at key state buildings until Sherrer’s funeral, the date of which remains pending. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, in a statement, expressed heartbreak over the loss, saying, “We are forever indebted to those who lay down their lives for others. My prayers are with Deputy Sherrer’s family, the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, and all who wear the badge.”
Sherrer, survived by his parents, was remembered as a deputy who brought light to those around him. Colleagues and community members alike recalled his warm personality, quick humor, and unwavering dedication. The Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 issued a statement expressing profound sadness, noting that Sherrer’s death underscores the dangers officers face, particularly in responding to domestic violence calls, which are often among the most volatile. The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office has been inundated with support from law enforcement agencies across Ohio and beyond, as well as from residents who have brought coffee and condolences to the department.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring Sherrer’s legacy and supporting his family and colleagues. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release further updates as the legal process unfolds, while the community continues to mourn a deputy whose service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
